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The Humane Society of the Black Hills is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has worked with the community to provide shelter and care for the lost, homeless, forgotten and abused animals for nearly 50 years.

We believe that every pet deserves a loving home and the chance to be someone’s best friend. HSBH is an open admissions shelter; we will not turn any animal away.

We are not affiliated with any other Humane Societies, or any other entity. We rely on public funding, and local donations. We are not a “chapter” of the national HSUS, or any other national organization.

We are your local Humane Society. If you give to national groups, your donations do not reach the pets that stay with us. If you want to support your local Humane society, please send your donations to our local address.

HSBH currently operates the only major animal shelter west of the Missouri River in SD. Because of the shortage of shelters, strays and animals are picked up from as many as 20 different counties. These animals come from a population base of approximately 180,000 people. Each year, just over 6,000 stray and unwanted animals are sheltered and cared for at the HSBH, with almost half being adopted.

Professional staff and volunteers provide food, shelter, medical attention and love. Each animal that is adopted from the Humane Society of the Black Hills leaves the facility with at least one set of vaccinations, has a nationally registered microchip, and comes with a certificate for a free veterinary wellness exam and 30 days of free pet health insurance. Adopters are required to sign an agreement that the animal they adopt will be spayed or neutered within 30 days of the adoption. A $150.00 up to a $200.00 deposit is required at the time of adoption, which will be refunded once proof of the spay or neuter is provided to HSBH. Some animals will be transported directly to a veterinarian at the time of adoption, and the surgery fee will be paid by the adopter when they pick the animal up at the veterinarian. No deposit will be collected with these animals.

Do you receive Federal or state funds?
No. We are a private, non-profit corporation. Cities contract with us to assist them with Animal Services and Enforcement.

How long do you keep animals?
We do not put a time limit on the animals in our Adoption Center in which to find a home. Once the animals pass their health and temperament examinations and are offered for adoption, they stay as long as they remain in good health and behaviorally sound.

Why do you spay and neuter the animals?
There is a tremendous pet overpopulation problem in the United States. Every year millions of healthy, adoptable animals are euthanized because no homes are available for them. Not only does spaying and neutering save lives by reducing the number of unwanted litters, it is beneficial for the animal’s health.

What happens if an animal is not adopted?
Most of the animals placed up for adoption are eventually placed into new homes. Unfortunately some animals have health problems, which are contagious to other animals, or temperament issues, which make them dangerous to other animals or children. Sometimes animals arrive at the shelter suffering and in pain, these animals are put in foster homes if possible or they are humanely euthanized.

I cannot bring myself to come into your shelter. Seeing all of those homeless animals makes me too sad.
We understand that seeing homeless pets isn’t easy. Please know that the animals in our care are safe, healthy, well fed and watered, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Furthermore, being in our Adoption Center is the best way for them to find a real home. If visiting our Adoption Center is too overwhelming, please consider visiting the adoptable petwebsite to view photos and read information about our animals awaiting homes. You could also make adonation to help the animals in our care find new loving, forever homes.

Can you use volunteers?
Yes! From dog walkers to help at events, our volunteers keep us running smoothly. Volunteers do have to be at least 16 years old, and must attend a volunteer orientation session. You can get all the information you need by going to our volunteer information page.

I just moved here and I need information on my responsibilities on rabies vaccinations and licensing.
Welcome new pet owner! Go tolicensing and laws for a quick guide on what you need to know.